Gerwyn Price has made it clear that he will accept the invitation to take part in the UK Open Pool Championship in May, even if the tournament’s schedule clashes with the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs. The Welsh darts star, who finished runner‑up in the 2023 Premier League, received a wild‑card entry to the pool event, which is set to run from 26 to 31 May at the Brentwood Centre.
The competition will feature 256 players representing more than 50 nations and will boast a prize fund of £167,500. At the same time, Price is fighting for a spot in the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs, which are scheduled for the evening of 28 May at The O2 in London.
The Play‑Offs determine the four players who will contest the league final, so the stakes are high for the "Iceman" as he tries to secure his place among the elite. Price is no stranger to the world of cue sports.
Last year he appeared at the Mosconi Cup, taking part in an exhibition Pro‑Am match at Alexandra Palace alongside teammate Milan Patel. In that encounter, Price sank the decisive shot against opponents Ade Oladipo and Hugo Boyle, punctuating his success with his trademark scream. His experience on the baize gives him confidence that he can compete seriously in the pool tournament. Speaking to Sky Sports before the Premier League Darts match in Aberdeen, Price explained his enthusiasm for the pool invitation: "I went and watched the Mosconi Cup and have taken some interest in nine‑ball pool, and got an invite to the UK Open.
So, I'll take it with both hands and give it a crack." He went on to outline a possible schedule that would allow him to juggle both commitments. "Hopefully I make the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs, first of all.
If I do, with the pool, I think I could possibly play on the Tuesday. It's double‑elimination, so I'll still be in for a couple days after that. Then maybe break up a bit on Thursday [for the darts], and Friday‑Saturday I should be playing [pool] again hopefully," he said.
Price’s position in the Premier League has become precarious after a run of lacklustre results. He has failed to win three consecutive quarter‑final matches and currently sits just five points above the fifth‑place cutoff ahead of Thursday’s fixtures. A strong showing in the upcoming matches could see him climb back into the Play‑Off spots, but the timing of the pool event adds an extra layer of complexity. When asked about the potential conflict if he were to advance deep into the pool tournament, Price replied with confidence: "I'm in it to win it.
I wouldn't turn up if I didn't think I could win. I'm half decent!
They're good players but I'm there to win." He also reassured observers that his focus on darts would remain unwavering: "100 per cent. That's my bread and butter. I'm there to win the Premier League, hopefully if I get there, but I'll be one eye on the pool as well." The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) was later asked by Sky Sports to clarify whether Price would need any special permission to compete in both events. The PDC responded that no special dispensation is required for players to take part in non‑darts competitions outside of their contractual obligations.
The statement added, "We are not sure if Gerwyn would play if he were to qualify for Premier League Play‑Offs night, but we believe he would choose the darts in the event of a clash!" Price’s sporting résumé extends beyond darts and pool. He has previously played rugby union in the Welsh Premiership and even had a brief stint with the United Rugby Championship side Glasgow Warriors, demonstrating his versatility across different disciplines. The previous edition of the UK Open Pool Championship was claimed by Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, who routed Spain’s Jonas Souto 13‑1 in the final held in Telford. The tournament’s format is double‑elimination, meaning players have a second chance after an initial loss, which could allow Price to stay in contention even if he encounters an early setback.
Meanwhile, the 2026 BetMGM Premier League season continues at the P&J Live in Aberdeen, with a packed schedule that includes a high‑stakes clash between Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen, a pivotal battle for a top‑four finish. League leader Jonny Clayton will renew his rivalry with Gian van Veen, while Josh Rock and Luke Littler open the evening’s action. Stephen Bunting and Gerwyn Price will also meet in a crucial semi‑final qualifier.
Points are awarded each night—five for the winner, three for the runner‑up and two for each semi‑finalist—to build the league table. The top four players at the end of the league phase will advance to the Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday, 28 May. If Price secures enough points to reach the Play‑Offs, he will have to decide whether to prioritize his darts career or continue his pool campaign. Given his statements and the PDC’s guidance, it is likely that darts will take precedence should a direct conflict arise, but his willingness to compete in both arenas highlights his competitive spirit and desire to test himself across multiple sports.